A Guide To Looking After Your Feet

A guide to looking after your feet

Your feet are your most important tools when you’re exploring the great outdoors. It’s impossible to enjoy even the most beautiful and interesting walks if these parts of your body are injured and sore. This gives you a huge incentive to keep your feet in tiptop condition, and the following advice should help you to do precisely this.

A guide to looking after your feet

Have first aid supplies on standby

Even if you’re careful, it’s impossible to rule out the risk that your feet will suffer an injury – and every walker’s worst enemy is the blister. These small pockets of fluid under the surface of the skin may not be considered serious, but they can certainly be painful. To help ensure you can continue on your trails even if blisters strike, and to minimise any further damage, it’s important to have some first aid essentials on standby. For example, you can choose from a selection of plasters and dressings by visiting specialist medical supply websites such as http://www.steroplast.co.uk/. It’s useful to have antiseptic creams as well to prevent infection if your blisters burst.

Find the right footwear

You’ll need to select the perfect shoes for your adventures too. In fact, your footwear is arguably your most crucial piece of kit when you’re walking. The right shoes or boots can keep you safe and comfortable on your travels. On the other hand, the wrong footwear can be painful and even dangerous. When you’re choosing these products, consider the terrain you’ll be traversing and the weather conditions you’re likely to face. If you’ll be on uneven ground, boots are probably better than shoes as they will provide more support. You’ll also need to think carefully about waterproofing. There’s nothing worse that trudging around with soggy feet.

In terms of size, your footwear should fit snugly around your heel and ankle. This will help to prevent blisters. However, you should have room to wiggle your toes. It’s always a good idea to try shoes or boots on before you buy them, and wear the socks you intend to walk in. Bear in mind that it’s better to have fittings in the afternoon rather than the morning. This is because your feet will have swollen slightly by this time of day, giving you a better idea of what they will be like when you’re walking.

Once you’ve selected the perfect pair, make sure you take the time to break them in. Wearing them around the house will help to mould them to the shape of your feet, and if possible take a few short strolls in them before you head off on any long walks.

Give your feet a rest

Another top tip is to give your feet a rest from time to time when you’re walking. For example, if you stop for a snack, take the weight off for a while. Meanwhile, if you’re planning to camp, consider taking some flip flops or sandals to wear in the evenings. This will give your feet a chance to recuperate. To reduce any swelling, try to elevate your legs when you’re sitting or lying down too.

By following simple suggestions like these, you should be able to ensure your feet remain fully functional while you’re exploring the great outdoors.